By Cuthbert Mashoko
Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka and Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Hon Ezra Chadzamira toured the Makata Citrus farm and the Rutenga Multi-Service Centre in Mwenezi on 26 July.
The tour was meant to assess the progress which the two centres are making towards Rural Industrialisation, as the Nation journeys towards the realisation of Vision 2030.
Dr Masuka who was the guest of honor hailed Mwenezi District for moving in sync with President Mnangagwa’s Rural Industrialisation drive. “I am pleased with what l see here in Mwenezi, The District is on a positive transformation as evidenced by the Makata Citrus farm and the Rutenga Multi-Service Centre which are good examples to the nation on the benefits of Rural Industrialisation. ” echoed Dr Masuka.
Massive citrus farming is shaping up at the Makata Citrus farm which was established on 20 August 2023, with over 500 000 Citrus plants under drip irrigation, anchored by the mighty waters of Mwenezi river. “I am proud to share with the ministers that we established this project on 20 August 2023 and we have successfully transformed the place” said Peter MacCarter, Director at Makata farm.
Dr Masuka challenged the Makata Citrus management to rope in the local people in the project through a win-win joint venture. “The local people can not only benefit through employment, l urge the war veterans here to organise themselves and also venture into Citrus farming on a win-win joint venture with the Makata management” advised Dr. Masuka.
The Makata Citrus farm is nestled in the South-Western part of Mwenezi. After a successful tour of Makata Citrus farm the ministers proceeded to Rutenga Multi-Service Centre. The Centre which is located on the outskirts of Rutenga Growth Point, processes paprika and sesame into a variety of products and also offers vocational training to the youths.
“Value addition is a key tenet of Rural Industrialisation. I am happy, this is what we are seeing here. What is left is to organise our farmers so that they produce sesame and paprika in bulk” challenged Dr. Masuka.
Minister Chadzamira welcomed the visit by Dr. Masuka, sharing that Masvingo Province was earmarking to be the bread basket of the nation.”As a Province, we are moving towards being the bread basket of the nation as we bank on abundant dam water. This will propel the Province to feed the Nation as we ensure food security,” said Chadzamira.
Minister Chadzamira hailed the management of Makata farm for taking advantage of the conducive climate conditions in Mwenezi which are favorable for citrus farming. “I am pleased with what l am seeing here, this is in sync with HE President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s Rural Industrialisation drive which seeks to transform our societies for the better.” said Minister Chadzamira.
